Nicolas (right) executes a vertical block against his opponent’s high line attack.
Sibat, is the general Filipino term for spear. Sibat is a noun while sibatin, which means “to spear” is a verb. The weapon is also known by other names considering the number of dialects spoken in the country. In the islands of Negros, for instance, it is known as bangkaw. Just like in other cultures of the world, the spear is one of the Filipinos’ oldest weapons used in warfare and hunting. Its use by native warriors was noted by Spaniard and American chroniclers alike.